Author: Kellen

The EYBL came to Dallas this weekend and we got a chance to see the 16's play. The EYBL gave us some big time local matchups lining up are Nike teams in the city to play each other. We got a chance to see a few local prospects who stood out. We'll begin with the 16U Teams:

Drive Nation 16U

2020 6'5 Wing St. Mark's/ Drive Nation Andrew Laczkowski: Andrew made big shot after big shot down the stretch for Drive Nation against the Texas Titans including the game winner. Andrew is a long and athletic wing who can really shoot the three and get out and finish at the basket in transition. He is a prospect who will see his recruitment blow up if he continues to play the way he did this weekend.

2020 6'7 G Arlington Bowie/ Drive Nation Cade Cunningham: Cade was really good in the matchup against his former team. He was the primary ball handler throughout the game and did a great job of facilitating and scoring for his team. Cade is a big time prospect and his ball handling and decision making are improving every time we see him. He really shot the ball well off the bounce this weekend. Cade finished with 20 points and several assists Friday night.

2020 6'7 F Denton Ryan/ Drive Nation Jay Wilson: Jay was a terror in transition running the floor and finishing this weekend. He rebounded well and really attacked the basket.

Texas Titans 16U

2020 6'2 PG Lancaster/ Texas Titans Mike Miles: Mike was steady as always running the Titans offense and facilitating. With his team down 11 going into halftime he came out the second half really aggressive looking to score. He had some really impressive drives and shot the three well while scoring 12 of his 17 points in the second half to help will the Titans back into the game.

2020 6'8 F Woodrow Wilson/ Texas Titans Richard Amaefule: Richard played as well as we've seen him this weekend. He rebounded, made threes, dunked in traffic over guys and was really consistent. Richard has all of the tools to be one of the best players in the country, looks like things are beginning to click at the right time for him.

2020 6'8 F Denton Guyer/ Texas Titans JaKobe Coles: JaKobe showed off a nice touch around the basket and away from the basket in this game. He displayed post moves and the ability to stretch the defense with his shooting. Coles is an outstanding inside/outside offensive threat.

Houston (Dallas) Hoops 16U

2020 6'3 G Universal Academy/ Houston Hoops Jaylen Posey: Posey looked good all weekend playing a combo guard role for the Hoops. What stands out about Posey is his length and his ability to shoot the basketball. His wingspan makes him a terrific defender and he can really shoot the three.

2020 6'8 PF Mansfield Timberview/ Houston Hoops JaQuann Scott: Scott looks the part of a high major PF. He rebounds, runs the floor, blocks shots an finishes with dunks in traffic. He showed flashes of all of those attributes this weekend, we just want to see it more consistently. Scott has the ability and size to be a top 5 player in DFW'S loaded 2020 class.

2020 6'3 G Justin Northwest/ Houston Hoops Julian Smith: Julian was highly effective playing the PG role for the Hoops this weekend. He really showed an ability to get to his spots for scoring and playmaking opportunities.

Nike Proskills 16U

2020 6'6 F Sunnybrook Christian/ Proskills Breon Thompson: Thompson was man amongst boys in his matchup against the Hoops. He finished with 26 points and double digit rebounds in the win.

2021 6'4 G Hightower/ Proskills Chris Felix: Felix hit a 40 footer to propel his Proskills team to a victory over the Hoops. Felix shot the ball well overall and finished at the basket off of strong drives.

2020 6'4 Wing Mansfield Lakeridge/ Proskills Joey Mambida: Joey had a huge game against the Hoops finishing with 16 points. He was very efficient with his scoring opportunities and proved to be a big time scoring threat for Proskills.

The DFW Defenders name is one people know and respect in Dallas and in the state of Texas. They are the brother program to Aaron Harrison's Houston Defenders. This is the first year the DFW Defenders will have a 17U team since it's inception. They have plenty of talent and versatility on this year's roster. They should be one of the top independent programs in Texas this spring and summer. Here are a few prospects who I look for to have a really good summer and their recruitment to ascend after April.

2019 Jesuit 6'9 220 F Julius Marble: Julius has really changed his body over the last year. He is noticeably leaner and more athletic. Marble has the body to bang for boards as well as the skillset to be a matchup nightmare at the power forward spot. He is a very good shooter out to the three point line and gets a lot done with his face up game. He's been nursing an injury the last few months and is close to being 100 percent headed into the April Live Period. Marble holds offers from UTSA and Pepperdine. I look for his recruitment to skyrocket over the next few months.

2019 Colleyville Heritage 6'3 185 G Niko Bossinakis: Niko is a flat out shot maker. He has been very productive over the last few years in HS and on the circuit. He has shown the ability to make plays for himself and others at the HS level. His bread and butter is his accuracy and extended range beyond the three-point line. Niko is an ultimate competitor who plays with a flair that makes him fun to watch. When hot, he can run off a lot of points quickly. Niko currently holds an offer from Arkansas State.

2019 Nolan Catholic 6'5 220 F Lejon Doss: Lejon is a hybrid of sorts on the floor. His versatility makes him a new age player and his motor and toughness make him old school as well. He is a monster on the boards, can push the break, finish above the rim and guard multiple positions due to his lateral quickness, strength and athleticism. He brings his hard hat to work everyday and does whatever it takes to win games.

2019 Trinity Christian CH 6'3 205 G Isaiah Range: Isaiah is a freak athlete that is a terror in transition. He is an above the rim finisher who is capable of making plays for himself and others. His strength and 6'10 wingspan make him a prime candidate to be a defensive stopper down the road. He is a versatile player offensively and defensively. He's had three monster years at HS and I expect for that success to roll over into this spring.

2019 Nolan Catholic 5'8 160 PG Jayden Williams: Jayden is a high IQ lead guard who gets it done in transition and in the half court. He harasses opposing guards 94 feet and is always in attack mode on offense. Jayden's ability to get into the paint to find open teammates and make floaters makes him very efficient offensively. He also has a really good pull up jumper and shoots the three well. Jay is a leader on the floor and an extension of the coach.

The Defenders will play in Texas Hoops GASO April 20-22 at Duncanville HS and will play in Dinos Trigonis' Terrific 24 in at The Factory in Indianapolis, Indiana April 27-29.

The Dallas Mustangs are a national brand. Founder Tony Johnson has had as much success with winning, sending players to school and the the NBA as any program in the state of Texas. The program has had players like Wesley Johnson(LA Clippers) LeBryan Nash (Houston Rockets) and Anthony Randolph (Former Lottery Pick/ Overseas Veteran) just to name a few. This year's team has a few prospects flying under the radar that will have a chance to make a name for themselves in the coming weeks. Here are a few prospects coaches should be following closely:

2019 6'5 F/G Jakevan Leftridge: Leftridge is a long prospect who does a bit of everything. He defends, rebounds, can shoot it and is terrific in transition. Jakevan will see his recruitment rise over the spring and summer with the Mustangs.

2019 5'10 PG Davian Sanders: Day-Day is as good as a PG as we have in the city in 2019. He understands how to lead, run the offense, score and is a terror defensively for opposing guards. His IQ on the floor is second to none at the point guard position. He's coming off of a big year in HS and his experience playing on the 17U level last year will benefit this team greatly.

2019 6'3 CG Howard Turner: Turner is an explosive combo guard who can really attack the basket and finish in traffic. He's a good defender and can make jumpers out to the three-point line. He's new to the city but his impact will be felt immediately for the Mustang 17U team.

2019 6'0 PG Jerry Carraway: Jerry is a scoring PG who can really shoot it. He's a tough kid who can get hot quick and is fearless attacking the basket.

This group will be coached by Rod Taylor, his teams are always known for their toughness and ability to shoot the three. This team will be no different and we expect them to compete and get players in school as always. You know the Mustangs motto, "We Get It Done."

Darius Coleman's Lone Star Elite program has become a hotbed for sleepers over the last couple of years. This program seems to find a way to send prospects to school year after year who weren't on many people's radar. Evidence can be found in prospects like CJ Massinburg (Buffalo) Addison Wallace (New Mexico St. signee) Vincent Lee (University of Nevada Signee) and Khaliel Spears (Bucknell Signee). Time after time this program produces players that no one has heard about. This year Coleman will have one of the youngest teams on the 17U circuit. While young, this group is long and talented. Here are a few prospects we expect to make a splash in April.

2021 6'6 200lbs F Takoda "Tay" Mosher: Tay is an inside/ outside threat who can score in the post and really shoot the three. Outstanding in the high post as a scorer and passer. Tay is a tough competitor that has played very well on the 17U level this spring.

2019 6'2 175lbs CG Josh Davis: Davis is a combo guard who can really shoot it, he plays with pace, you can't speed him up. He had a really good year at Prosper HS leading his team to a regional appearance. He'll be leaned on heavily to lead this young group.

2020 6'8 200lbs F Donte Houston: Donte is a very intriguing prospect who I expect to garner a lot of attention over the next two summers. He checks all of the boxes you need in a combo forward. He's long, athletic, tough, rebounds and shoots the three. This kid has PROSPECT written all over him.

2021 6'6 180lbs G Christian Green: Christian has a chance to be one of the best players in the state in his class with continued development. He is a long and quick athlete who can facilitate offense and make plays for himself and others. He is the most raw of the young prospects on this team, but he probably has the most upside as well.

Lone Star may take some lumps early with their young prospects learning what it takes to compete consistently at the 17U level, but it won't be lacking in young talent. This program and these prospects will benefit greatly from playing up and being seen by coaches.

Every year we see players from DFW who seem to go under the radar. We see players' recruitment skyrocket and even see guys who weren't highly recruited lead their teams to the NCAA Tournament years later. Players like CJ Massingburg (Buffalo) Zhaire Smith (Texas Tech) Kaden Archie (TCU) and a host of others. These are a few examples of prospects who blew up after the April session and or showed up in a major way as soon as they got on campus. Here is a list of under the radar prospects we think can have a similar type trajectory after the first evaluation period:

6'3 185lbs G Garren Davis Mudiay Elite: Davis is a big guard who can really get into the paint to set up guys or finish with big time athleticism. He has a quick first step and can also drill jumpers out to the three point line. This young man has a chance to see his recruitment soar over the next few months.

6'9 215lbs F Sam Freeman 3D/ TX Wolverines: Freeman rebounds like his dinner depends on it. He just knows how to go and chase down boards. Excellent shot blocker who rebounds in and out of his area. Will finish dump off passes and lobs with authority. TREMENDOUS UPSIDE.

6'6 180lbs Wing Isaiah Lewis YGC36: Long, athletic hybrid wing that is very versatile. Can make shots out to the three point line and finish above the rim in traffic. Tremendous rebounder as well.

6'6 180lbs. Wing Josh Miller TX Impact: Miller has great size for the wing position and the skill set to match. Miller is a tremendous shooter with deep range and a terrific slasher.

6'4 170lbs Wing Jakevan Leftridge Dallas Mustangs: Leftridge is a do it all type of player who can really shoot it. He is an athlete that is a plus perimeter defender with tremendous length.

6'1 165 lbs G Cobe Williams Dallas Showtyme: Williams is an electric playmaker for himself and others. Big time athlete that can finish inside above the rim. Can really score it as well.

6'0 160lbs G Keyon Craddock Dallas Showtyme: Craddock is a big time on ball defender that can really get in the paint. He will make open three's and finish above the rim in traffic.

Texas Hoops GASO did an excellent job this weekend running alongside the major shoe brand events. The GASO had a ton of coaches and gave players several opportunities to be seen during the first live period of the year. TheTB5Reports was in the building and here is a list of prospects we thought played well this weekend.

2019 6'3 G Red Oak/Dallas Mustangs Howard Turner: Turner was very productive all weekend shooting the ball. He was tremendous in a matchup against a loaded BTI squad out of California. Turner made threes, pull up jumpers and was really good in pick and roll this weekend. He is a tough, shot making guard.

2020 6'8 F Coppell/ BMM Quevian Adger: Quevian has always been a prospect with immense potential, this weekend he started to put it all together. Adger really took advantage of the stage he was on this weekend showing off his array of skills. He showed the ability to shoot the three, slash and finish around the rim with his athleticism. Quevian picked up an offer from head coach Donyell Marshall of Central Connecticut St. as well this weekend.

2020 6'7 F Flower Mound/ BMM Caleb Lohner: Caleb as the players say was in his bag all weekend. Caleb is one of the best prospects in the country in his class. Fresh off of his #41 ranking in the 2020 class for Rivals he showed he wasn't complacent at all and maybe he was under ranked. His size, motor, athleticism and ability to shoot the three has made him a priority for in-state schools and now members from the ACC and Pac 12 are making the trek to DFW to see this young man. Don't be surprised if the blue bloods of college basketball jump in on his recruitment soon.

2019 6'3 G Prosper/ Lonestar Elite Josh Davis: Davis played really well for a young Lonestar Elite group. He played well on and off the ball this weekend. Davis picked up some interest from a few low major schools that will be tracking him next weekend.

2020 6'4 G The Colony/ DFW Defenders Keith Miller: Miller was one of the best defenders we saw all weekend. He used his length and toughness to defend and get out in transition to finish above the rim.

We got a great early look at a few teams and prospects this weekend at the "War Before The Storm" showcase. Here's a quick rundown of what I observed

YGC36 17U

YGC36 is a very long and athletic squad that can really defend and make shots. These particular players stood out this past weekend:

5'7 2019 PG Bryce Cook (South Grand Prairie) was in mid-season form for YGC attacking the basket, finding teammates, stroking 3's and leading his team on the court. Tulsa is getting a gem in this kid.

6'3 2019 SG Jalen Thomas (Waxahachie) had an excellent first half against Drive Nation hitting 5 three-pointers before the half. JT can really make shots all around the arc. Definitely one to track if looking for a tough shot maker.

6'10 2020 PF Gethro Muscadin (Sunrise Christian) showed some serious flashes this weekend. He runs the floor like a gazelle, gets off the ground quick and is a big time shot blocker. Still a bit raw, big time upside though!

6'8 2019 F Jalen Wilson (Denton Guyer) showed the ability to knock down shots well beyond the three point line. He showed an improved handle playing with the ball in his hands. He was able to get to his spots and make plays for himself.

17U Drive Nation

Drive Nation is quite frankly the most talented team on paper in the Metroplex boasting 5 players ranked in the top 150 players in the country. That was before word broke right before tip-off of their noon game that they added arguably the state's top ranked player and #12 Nationally Ranked Tyrese Maxey. These particular players stood out this past weekend:

6'9 2019 F Drew Timme (JJ Pearce) had it clicking all weekend. He is so versatile with his skill set, it makes him a walking mismatch. What stuck out to me this weekend was his ability to see the floor. Timme has to be one of the best passing big men in the country. He had his usual day of hitting jump hooks, cleaning the glass, mid range jumpers and being a great secondary ball handler. He makes his teammates better.

6'4 2019 PG Jahmius Ramsey (IMG Academy) looked tremendous with his new squad this weekend. He sliced and diced his way to the rim, made open jumpers and displayed elite athleticism. Ramsey is a tough on ball defender who is excellent in pick and roll.

6'2 2019 PG Avery Anderson (Justin Northwest) had his pull-up jumper on display this weekend. He showed his vision making a few really good passes to set up teammates and made shots. Anderson also showed some big time athleticism attacking the rim.

6'5 2019 G Tre Williams (Wasatch) played with a motor and toughness unmatched by anybody this weekend. Tre defended well, rebounded, finished above the rim in transition and displayed high level passing all day. His energy is infectious to the rest of that team.

6'7 2019 G Sam Williamson (Rockwall) is as smooth as they come. His mid-range game is what separates him. Sam understands where his spots are and how to get there. He is automatic from 15-17 feet shooting over defenders. His stock will continue to rise as a national name on the EYBL circuit this year.

Mudiay Elite

Mudiay Elite features two of the most dominant players at their position in the Metroplex in RJ Hampton and Tyreek Smith. These particular players stood out this past weekend:

6'3 2019 G Garren Davis (The Colony) was very good this weekend. It was my first time seeing him and I was very impressed. Excellent body at the guard spot, tight handle, finishes in traffic and can shoot it. He was a pleasant surprise this weekend. I look for his recruitment to take off after April, he's a guy that low majors should be all over right now!

6'4 2020 PG RJ Hampton (Little Elm) needs no introduction as he is a well known commodity nationally. He was his usual self scoring from all over the floor and running pick and roll to perfection with Tyreek Smith. His athleticism is getting very close to "freakish," as he finished way above the rim with several dunks. RJ is as polished a player as we have in DFW.

6'8 2019 PF Tyreek Smith (Trinity Christian) put on a dunking and shot blocking clinic this weekend. He truly understands that he needs to dunk everything in the paint. Tyreek literally tries to assault the rim on every dunk attempt. The timing he displays on shot blocking along with his athleticism and length makes it tough to get easy baskets when he is in the game.

Texas Titans 16U

The Texas Titans have a new look this year with some new faces, one face remains the same and that is at the PG position. These particular players stood out this weekend:

6'2 2020 PG Mike Miles (Lancaster) continues to impress every time I see him. Mike attacked the rim, finished at the rim, made three's consistently and ran his team. Miles is the quintessential point guard who you can't speed up and doesn't turn the ball over.

6'4 2020 G Paxton Anderson (Highland Park) played outstanding defense and played with a high motor all day Saturday. He has a really good release on his jump shot that extends out to the three point line. Plays with an edge and toughness!

6'7 2020 PF Jakolby Coles (Denton Guyer) was a force on the glass this weekend. He has great hands that allow him to make catches and finish in traffic. He showed the ability to step out and consistently make jumpers as well.

Drive Nation 16U

Drive Nation 16U is one of the biggest teams you will see playing 16's. They have 2 6'10 guys and a 6'9 2021 with plenty of length on the perimeter as well. This team is a PG away from being very good. These particular players stood out this past weekend:

6'5 2020 SF Andrew Laczkowski (Saint Mark's) is a fluid athlete who can really slash and finish at the basket and make jumpers. He was very good for Drive this weekend.

6'7 2020 SF Cade Cunningham (Arlington Bowie) was the primary ball handler for Drive this weekend. He handled pressure well and was able to make plays for himself off the bounce. I would really like to see him attacking and slashing from the wing a lot more as he is so skilled from that spot. He made big time plays down the stretch to propel his team to a victory over YGC36 16's.

YGC36 16U

This team has a couple of sleepers nobody is talking about, let me introduce you to a few particular players who stood out:

6'8 2020 F Darryl Brown (Jesuit) is a very intriguing prospect. At 6'8 with long arms and a high motor he is one to track the next few years. He showed the ability to step out and make jump shots, rebound and block shots.

6'3 2020 G Jarren Cook (Newman Smith) is a strong bodied SG with big time range that extends well beyond the three point line. He was on fire early in their game against Drive Nation 16's.

6'1 2020 PG Mekai Pope (Waxahachie) showed the ability to run his team this weekend. He played an excellent floor game, and scored when his team needed him to. He has a nice right hand floater and is a big time three point shooter. He didn't force any shots this weekend and really let the game come to him.

C/O 2020 PG Mike Miles heads into this summer with a big chip on his new found broad shoulders. There is no need to refer to him as, "Lil Mike Mike" anymore. He is now 6'2 180lbs and holds offers from the likes of LSU, Oklahoma St., TCU, UTA and a slew of other Division 1 schools.

Fresh off a very successful sophomore campaign at Lancaster HS where he was voted Sophomore of the Year in District 10-5A and TABC ALL-Region Team. Miles is becoming a highly decorated HS player early in his career.

Miles excels as a lead guard that can play in the half-court and an uptempo style. He is a pure point guard who can really orchestrate the offense, stroke the three ball and has terrific vision. Playing with the Texas Titans for AAU and Lancaster High School for school ball allows him the opportunity to play both styles for two excellent coaches. Our staff has seen him be highly effective with both programs playing each style.

This summer Miles is looking to lead his new look Texas Titans team to a birth in the 16U EYBL Peach Jam. If this past high school season is an indicator of what's to come I'm putting the country on notice "Big Mike" is going to be tough to deal with for years to come.